Post-war Ukraine should move away from conscript army, PM says
Ukrainian serviceman (Photo:General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine / Facebook)
Once it emerges victorious from the war with Russia, Ukraine should transition towards a professional standing army, eschewing mandatory conscript service, Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal said in a Telegram post on Jan. 3.
At the same time, Shmyhal clarified the state should still provide avenues for civilians to get basic military training, as that would safeguard the country from another potential Russian invasion.
“After our victory, we must switch to a strong contract-based army, and at the same time provide everyone with a possibility to gain knowledge and skills that will help in defending the country if the enemy attacks again,” the PM said.
Prior to Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to work on legislation that would strengthen the state's defense capability, including a proposal to abolish mandatory conscription for military service.
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